Research Day

Amanda Willig

GS: Where are you from?

AW: Bernice, Louisiana

GS: What degree did will you receive and when?

AW: PhD in Nutrition Sciences - Summer 2010

GS: What is your research?

AW: I am funded by the Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program (CPCTP) and am currently investigating health disparities and the influence of gene/environment interactions on body composition and free fatty acids.

GS: What made you choose UAB for your graduate studies?

AW: As a Registered Dietitian, I was looking for a nutrition program that had both a strong basic science component and clinical research activities. UAB's Nutrition Sciences department had a very strong reputation in both areas and was highly recommended by my mentors at Virginia Tech.

GS: Have you received any awards or honors?

AW:

2008 UAB Graduate Student Research Days – Life Sciences Division – Third Place

2008 Southeast American College of Sports Medicine, Graduate Student Research

Competition, Annual Meeting – Third Place

2007 William C. Bailey Award for Excellence in Cancer Prevention and Control

2006 Conference Scholarship, American Institute for Cancer Research/WCRF International Research Conference on Food, Nutrition and Cancer

GS: What has been your most rewarding experience at UAB?

AW: My most rewarding experiences by far were the diabetes education classes my research team (the AMERICO study) provided to area elementary school children...oh, and the meetings at the F&F ranch.

GS: Who was your greatest influence here at UAB and why?

AW: Dr. Jose Fernandez has been an amazing mentor and friend. He has always encouraged me to "keep trying" and has also taught me more about the administrative side of academic research.

GS: What is your motivation in your academics/research?

AW: In clinical practice, I saw growing numbers of young patients debilitated by preventable diseases. I believe the work we do here can help individuals remain healthy and independent for much longer in life.

GS: What are your plans after graduating and for the future?

AW: I hope to stay at UAB and study the effects of adiposity on chronic diseases and cancer risk among HIV-infected individuals. I believe there is a great need for health promotion programs among this population.

GS: Is there anything else you would like to say?

AW: Try to enjoy the process - it has been a crazy ride but certainly well worth the effort!

Amanda’s advice for other graduate students:

Explore all of your options, but then focus on your dissertation/thesis research and don't get distracted by too many extraneous projects.

Student Spotlight

Jay BhattJay's research focuses on the various molecular machineries involved in forming transport vesicles at the Golgi.

Haley D. JohnsonHaley's research is focused on the transportation needs and safety issues of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ethics for Authors

The UAB Ethics for Authors website explores ethical issues for students, researchers and faculty writing for publication. The site includes FAQs on citing and writing for research, e-tools and activities, and several handouts.